Top 10 LG Unlocked Phones to Buy in 2024

Part 1: Why are LG Phones Not Popular?

Wondering what might have caused LG to fail in its smartphone arena? Here are some major reasons why LG failed to capture consumer attention with its smartphones:

1. Bootloop Problems

One of the major problems that caused users to be wary of LG phones was the boot loop issue. Seen mainly in the G4, G5, V10, V20, and other flagship phones, the issue caused devices to go into an endless cycle of reboots. Even after seeking customer service and hardware replacement, the error still seemed to persist for most users.

2. Delayed Software Updates

LG has a tainted track record when it comes to providing timely software updates. Even for the flagship devices, LG handsets received major updates at an agonizingly slow pace. Besides, LG also gained a reputation for abandoning major support for their devices and only sticking to the occasional security updates for most phones.

3. Bad Marketing Strategies

LG decided to keep a light hand when it came to branding their flagship phones, which, in retrospect, proved to be a poor decision. The company's marketing efforts never seemed to reach their full potential. As a result, most LG devices were launched in the market and went unnoticed by users. Even if some devices featured some unique elements, the hype was barely convincing.

4. Fail to Deliver

Although LG had an innovative spirit driven by the motivation to provide users with quality phones and unique designs, the brand felt short when it came to implementing ideas. While LG smartphones featured some creative elements back in their prime, the company failed to improve them with time.

Part 2: Is it Still Worth Buying an LG Smartphone?

Are you trying to decide whether to buy an LG smartphone after the discontinuation announcement by the company? There are some factors you need to take into consideration before you decide on an answer.

The good news is that LG promised up to three OS updates to some of its premium phones launched in 2019 and later. This means that the 2019 models, including LG Q92 5G, LG V50, and LG V50S, and certain 2020 models such as LG Stylo and the K series will receive the Android 12 update. The LG Velvet, which already operates on Android 12, will also receive security and maintenance updates.

While this significantly increases the prospects of you buying an LG smartphone, there is more to the story. LG has warned users that some of these updates might not be available outside of South Korea, where the company is headquartered. Considering LG's track record of providing laggard updates in the past, it is only fair to expect even slower updates in the future.

If you have your eye set on an LG smartphone from the G series, V series, Velvet, Wing, K series, or LG Stylo, there are high chances your phone can operate with the latest version of Android. You need to be patient to wait for updates and also be willing to compromise on the lack of updated hardware in LG smartphones.

Part 3: Best LG Unlocked Phones on Amazon in 2022

If you are looking for unlocked LG phones for sale, we have some great suggestions in store for you. Here, you can get a brief overview of some of the best LG unlocked phones that can still prove useful in 2022, along with their recognized pros and cons.

1. LG V60 ThinQ™

Launched in early 2020, the LG V60 ThinQ is a flagship variant of the V series that offers 5G support. Powered by Snapdragon 865 and an Octa-core 2.84 GHz processor, you can find this LG 5G phone unlocked on major sites such as Amazon and eBay. The smartphone comes with a quad camera featuring a 64MP standard and 13MP ultra-wide lens, along with a 10 MP front camera.

Pros

• The LG V60 ThinQ comes with a powerful 5000mAh battery offering long-lasting usage time with wireless charging.
• The phone supports 128GB of built-in memory, along with 8GB of RAM.

Cons

• Despite the 64MP quad camera on the device, the image quality of the LG V60 ThinQ is poor.

2. LG G8X ThinQ™ Dual Screen

The LG G8X ThinQ was the first phone to introduce usable dual-screen technology to users. Featuring a 6.4-inch OLED display and a 403 PPI resolution, this flagship phone comes with the LG Dual Screen case, which lets users instantly duplicate their screens. Suitable for rich gaming, viewing, and other versatile experience, the LG G8X ThinQ also provides a 3.5mm audio jack, rarely seen in flagship devices.

Pros

• The dual-screen feature is useful for multitasking and providing immersive gaming and viewing experience.
• You can rotate the dual screen to a full 360 degrees for a versatile viewing experience.

Cons

• The LG G8X ThinQ comes with Android 9 and will not receive any further system updates.

3. LG G8 ThinQ™

Launched in late 2019, the LG G8 ThinQ unlocked comes packed with top-tier features such as OLED Capacitive Touchscreen and dual-SIM features. The main camera features a dual 12MP standard and 13MP ultra-wide lens, whereas the front camera features a 32MP wide lens. The 4000mAh battery comes with 21W fast power charging.

Pros

• The LG G8 ThinQ provides a 403 PPI resolution with HDR10 and an always-on display.
• With the Hand ID feature, you can unlock your phone by scanning the veins in your hand.

Cons

• The LG G8 ThinQ is priced at a very high cost but does not contain any solid standout features.

4. LG Velvet

Featuring an Android 10.0 OS, the LG Velvet comes in classic black and aurora silver colors. The 6.8 inches P-OLED curved screen of LG Velvet features a 442 PPI resolution. The triple cameras showcase an innovative design representing a falling droplet of water in various sizes. Despite the absence of LG's quad DAC, the Velvet's audio quality is quite impressive.

Pros

• The LG Velvet features a captivating and light design with only 7.9mm thickness.
• The phone also comes with a dedicated Google Assistant key beneath the volume keys.

Cons

• The LG Velvet unlocked devices feature a very slow charging speed.

5. LG Wing

One of the most innovative displays offered by LG, the Wing features a 6.8 inches screen that can be rotated with a single flick. Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, the LG Wing also contains a 32MP pop-up selfie camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor. Although falling on the pricey end of the spectrum, you can find the LG Wing unlocked at far lower prices on Amazon, eBay, or Best Buy.

Pros

• The powerful processor of LG Wing offers solid performance without any lag.
• The device features an interesting design where swiveling the display is smooth and hassle-free.

Cons

• The LG Wing does not provide users with a 3.5mm audio jack or waterproofing.

6. LG G7 ThinQ™

If you are looking for a solid smartphone that can last you some time, you should look for an LG G7 ThinQ unlocked. The G7 contains a screen notch and an optional rainbow-colored alert bar, so you can make your own aesthetic choices when personalizing the display. The phone features a brightly lit screen at 564 PPI with corning gorilla glass 5.

Pros

• The LG G7 ThinQ contains the Snapdragon 845, which gives the processor a speedy boost.
• The phone also offers water-resistant qualities to users.

Cons

• The LG G7 ThinQ was launched with Android 8 and was very expensive for the US market.

7. LG Stylo™ 6

When looking for a budget-friendly phone that can provide you with all the updated specs at a low cost, you should check out the LG Stylo 6. With several useful and fun-filled features, the model provides an impressive battery life and triple camera support. LG Stylo 6 offers a bright and vibrant screen display and is powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 chipset.

Pros

• The 4000mAh battery on LG Stylo 6 can last more than a day.
• The phone also provides stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Cons

• The LG Stylo 6 has an underpowered processor, which makes the phone slow.

8. LG V50 ThinQ™ 5G

Having the distinction of being LG's first 5G phone, the V50 ThinQ was released in 2019 with a 6.4 inches screen and an Android version 9, which can be upgraded to Android 11. The 128GB/6GB smartphone also comes with a triple camera that supports 4K video at 30/60 FPS. LG V50 comes with a fast processor, a big screen, and several fun features.

Pros

• The LG V50 ThinQ supports 5G connectivity.
• The phone provides high-definition colors, brightness, and contrast.

Cons

• Besides 5G support, there is no other standout feature that can justify the high cost of the device.

9. LG K51™

The solid looks and feels of the LG K51 are undeniable. Released in 2020, the lightweight and slim model of LG features a 6.5 inches screen with IPS LCD and scratch-resistant glass. The quad cameras provide up to 32MP images and 1080p videos at 30 FPS. You can find an LG K51 unlocked on most online selling sites at a relatively lower price range.

Pros

• The LG K51 features an AI-powered main camera.
• The phone is available at an affordable price range.

Cons

• The screen resolution on the LG K51 is significantly lacking.

10. LG Stylo™ 5

The LG Stylo 5 is another budget-friendly phone that offers fairly decent specs in terms of cost. With a 390 PPI resolution, the phone comes in captivating colors of blonde rose and platinum gray. The LG Stylo 5 unlocked can be found with an Android 9.0 OS and 32GB/3GB storage capacities. With a single 13MP camera, the LG Stylo 5 also offers a built-in stylus.

Pros

• The camera in LG Stylo 5 offers portrait mode, providing bokeh images.
• The phone comes with a built-in stylus pen.

Cons

• The LG Stylo 5 falls short in its camera and speaker qualities.

Part 4: Useful Tips: Transfer WhatsApp Data to your New LG Phone

Looking for an easy and reliable way to transfer your WhatsApp data from your old to your new smartphone? The quickest and easiest solution lies in Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer tool.

Powered by Wondershare, Dr.Fone is an innovative resource toolbox that contains everything your smartphone may need to function properly. With its WhatsApp Transfer feature, you can easily move chats, photos, videos, call history, starred messages, contacts, and more. If you decide to change your phone, you do not have to worry about data loss anymore.

Key Features of Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer

• Fone can help you transfer up to 15 different file types, including images, videos, call history, bookmarks, and more, without any data loss.
• The process to transfer WhatsApp from your old to your new phone is quick and hassle-free on Dr.Fone.
• Besides transferring data, Dr.Fone can also backup and restore your WhatsApp data in a single click.

How to Transfer WhatsApp Data Using Dr.Fone

Follow the steps given below to transfer WhatsApp from your old Android to a new LG phone using Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer tool:

Step 1: Launch WhatsApp Transfer

Install and launch Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer tool on your computer. From the "Home" tab in the main interface of the program, select the "WhatsApp Transfer" option. Now click on "WhatsApp" from the left panel and tap the "Transfer WhatsApp messages" option. If you are using WhatsApp Business, select "WA Business" from the list.

Step 2: Connect your Android Devices

Now connect both your source and destination Android devices to your computer using a tethering cable. Make sure the positions of both devices are correct on the screen, then hit "Transfer."

Step 3: Transfer WhatsApp Data

Wait for the program to complete the data transfer. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to conclude the transfer process on your target Android phone.

safe & secure

Conclusion

Although LG announced discontinuing its chain of smartphones, it does not mean you still can't buy one. You can find some cheap unlocked LG phones on sites such as eBay and Amazon. If you end up buying one and need to transfer your WhatsApp data to your new LG phone, you can try the reliable services of Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer tool.